We set up the MSF Access Campaign in 1999 to push for access to, and the development of, life-saving and life-prolonging medicines, diagnostic tests and vaccines for people in our programmes and beyond.

Based in Brussels, MSF Analysis intends to stimulate reflection and debate on humanitarian topics organised around the themes of migration, refugees, aid access, health policy and the environment in which aid operates.

Our medical guidelines are based on scientific data collected from MSF’s experiences, the World Health Organization (WHO), other renowned international medical institutions, and medical and scientific journals.

Providing epidemiological expertise to underpin our operations, conducting research and training to support our goal of providing medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or excluded from health care.

Evaluation Units have been established in Vienna, Stockholm, and Paris, assessing the potential and limitations of medical humanitarian action, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our medical humanitarian work.

The MSF Paediatric Days is an event for paediatric field staff, policy makers and academia to exchange ideas, align efforts, inspire and share frontline research to advance urgent paediatric issues of direct concern for the humanitarian field.

A collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development organisation that is developing new treatments for neglected diseases, founded in 2003 by seven organisations from around the world.

Sexual violence

Sexual violence affects millions of people, brutally shattering the lives of women, men and children. It is a medical emergency, but there is often a dire lack of healthcare services for victims.

No statistics on sexual violence provide a complete picture of the problem or its prevalence. Shame, fear, stigmatisation and many other obstacles prevent an unknown number of victims from receiving, or even seeking, treatment. And yet getting immediate medical care after sexual assault is critical in order to limit the potential consequences. In 2017, our teams treated over 18,800 victims of sexual violence.

Quick Facts

Post-exposure prophylaxis is given to victims of rape within 72 hours to prevent HIV in case of exposure. Emergency contraception should also be given promptly to be most effective. Antibiotics are given to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, and vaccinations for tetanus and hepatitis B. The treatment of physical injuries, and psychological support are also part of the package of care.

Sexual violence against men and boys includes rape, sexual torture and sexual slavery. Men and boys are even less likely to report sexual violence than women for fear of stigmatisation and because of the enormous taboo around the topic. As a result, sexual violence committed against men remains particularly invisible and under-reported, and how to adequately meet the needs of male victims poses a particular challenge for us.

Rape and other forms of sexual violence are often widespread in conflict settings, where they can be used to humiliate, punish, control, injure, inflict fear, and destroy communities. They may also be used to reward or remunerate combatants, to motivate the troops. But millions of people living in stable contexts are also affected by sexual violence. In these cases, the perpetrators are often acquaintances or family members of the victims.

Medical care is crucial in the 72 hours following rape to prevent the transmission of HIV and an unwanted pregnancy. Stigma, fear of the aggressor and of others finding out are some of the reasons victims may hesitate to seek care and often do not pursue follow-up care. The prevention and management of unwanted pregnancy is often their biggest concern, and is part of the care MSF provides. Emergency contraception is allowed in almost all countries; however, termination of pregnancy is – for a variety of reasons – more complicated.

Against their will: New report on sexual violence

Sexual violence in platinum mining belt a major driver of HIV

Return to Abuser

Care for victims of sexual violence, an organisation pushed to its limits: The case of MSF

10 Apr 2015

Journal article

Journal article

Collecting data on sexual violence: what do we need to know? The case of MSF in the Democratic Republic of Congo

2 Feb 2014

Journal article

Sexual violence

MSF denounces the sexual violence against migrants travelling to Europe

Report25 Mar 2010

Related topics

Medical Activities

Women's health

An estimated 99 per cent of women who die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications live in developing countries. Most of these deaths are preventable.

Crisis Settings

War and conflict

Around one-third of our humanitarian and medical assistance is for populations caught in armed conflict.

The Americas

Haiti

Health needs are immense in Haiti, with a weak health system that was further weakened after the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew at the end of 2016.

7,950

major surgical interventions

1,870

births assisted

Asia & Pacific

Papua New Guinea

We are working to improve access to screening and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) in Papua New Guinea.

16,500

outpatient consultations

1,720

people started on treatment for TB

62

people started on treatment for MDR-TB

Middle East & North Africa

Egypt

Egypt is a key transit and destination country for African and Middle Eastern refugees and migrants, many of whom have been subjected to violence or persecution in their countries.

11,800

Individual mental health consultations

2,190

Outpatient consultations

Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo

In DRC, MSF runs some of its largest medical relief operations, working in 17 of 26 provinces, responding to diseases outbreaks, conflict and displacement, and tackling health problems such as HIV/AIDs.

2,800

people admitted to Ebola treatment centres

450

admitted patients confirmed as having Ebola

Medical Resource

MSF Field Research

We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.